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Premier League Team of the Week: Gameweek 1 Highlights

The first weekend of the Premier League season delivered some remarkable individual displays across the board. Chelsea’s revamped attack shone brightly in their West London Derby clash, while other teams surprised with strong performances in a league ready for unpredictability after a busy World Cup and numerous managerial shifts.

Here is Sports Illustrated’s Team of the Week for the opening gameweek.

Goalkeeper

  • Jordan Pickford (Everton) - Pickford was outstanding against Crystal Palace, making key saves including a remarkable stop from Eddie Nketiah that helped Everton secure a 2–0 win. Only Newcastle's Lukáš Horniček prevented more goals than Pickford on the weekend.

Defenders

  • Maxim De Cuyper (Brighton) - Deployed in an advanced role, the Belgian fullback caused problems for Aston Villa early on. His pressure contributed directly to an own goal and he doubled Brighton’s lead with a sharp finish, earning the Fantasy Premier League Player of the Week with 17 points.
  • Nobel Mendy (Hull City) - In a surprising performance, Mendy scored off a free kick and made 12 clearances to help Hull City stun Manchester United.
  • Joško Gvardiol (Man City) - After initial defensive struggles, Gvardiol capitalized on Bournemouth’s vulnerabilities by scoring the match-winning goal with a perfectly timed run.
  • Keane Lewis-Potter (Brentford) - Though he could have missed his early chance, Lewis-Potter’s goal set the pace for Brentford’s dominant display over Tottenham Hotspur.

Midfielders

  • Jack Hinshelwood (Brighton) - Wearing the No. 8 shirt this season, Hinshelwood grabbed a brace against Aston Villa, showcasing his potential as a central figure in Brighton’s midfield.
  • Mamadou Sangaré (Brentford) - Signed for a club-record fee, Sangaré impressed on his Premier League debut with his energy, setting up Brentford’s opener and contributing to another goal with a powerful shot.

Attackers

  • Yoane Wissa (Newcastle) - Though he didn’t score, Wissa was pivotal in Newcastle’s impressive transition play against Liverpool, helping create the go-ahead goal.
  • Cole Palmer (Chelsea) - Free from injury woes, Palmer dazzled at Craven Cottage, finishing with a goal and an assist in Chelsea’s 3–2 victory over their rivals.
  • João Pedro (Chelsea) - The Brazilian striker wasted no time opening his account for the season with a deft finish, proving himself one of the Premier League’s top forwards outside of Erling Haaland.
  • Christos Tzolis (Arsenal) - Making an immediate impact, Tzolis impressed on his debut for Arsenal, combining speed and creativity to help the champions comfortably beat Coventry City.

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